air fryer

Air fryer chicken fries

August 30, 2022 Leave a Comment

Did you know you could make homemade Burger King chicken fries in the Air Fryer? This easy copycat recipe is super crispy, delicious and is best served with your favourite dipping sauce! Defiantly a better than take out quick snack!

mini chips basket with chicken fries and spicy mayo

What are chicken fries?

Chicken fries are made of crispy fried chicken strips in the shape of French fries. The most common cut of chicken used is boneless skinless chicken breasts. The chicken is coated in a bread crumb mixture and then deep fried or could also be cooked in an air fryer at home. The fast food chain restaurant Burger King has the delicious dish on their menu.

Are chicken fries the same as chicken nuggets?

Although similar chicken fries and chicken nuggets are not the same. Chicken nuggets tend to have a circular shape and be made out of a ground chicken mixture rather than the vertical chicken fries shape. Both products can have a breaded coating using breadcrumbs or a flour wet batter.

chicken fries cooked on air fryer basket

How long to cook chicken fries in air fryer

Homemade chicken fries using fresh raw chicken takes 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. For the best crispy results cooking at 340°F/170°C works best.

How to cook chicken fries in air fryer

Homemade and delicious chicken fries are quite easy to make in the air fryer rather than deep frying. See the steps below (refer to the recipe card below low for the full recipe ingredients list, recipe and notes)

Preparing the raw chicken:

Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them down the sides creating thinner fillets. Then begin to slice the chicken breast , vertically on the longest side, into thin 1-inch-thick chicken fries strips. Place into a bowl and season with garlic powder, white pepper, onion powder and salt

Chicken 1^st flour dredge:

Add the flour and cornmeal into a food bag and combine. Then add the chicken and shake the large resealable plastic bag until all the chicken pieces are coated.

Seasoned breading:

Create an egg mixture by whisking together the 2 eggs. In another shallow bowl mix together the golden bread crumbs and seasonings listed. Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, shake off the excess liquid then place into the seasoned bread crumbs. You can place them on a cooling rack if you need to make them in batches.

Air fry chicken fries:

Brush oil or use a cooking spray to cover the base of the preheated air-fryer basket. Place the chicken fries in the air fryer basket, ensure that there is one layer only and do not overcrowd the basket. This is the best way to make the air fryer chicken fries are crispy. Air fry for the cooking time of 10 minutes at 340°F/170°C. Turn over chicken the fries at the hallway point. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165ºF (75ºC)+ once cooked and golden brown, you can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Serve:

These air fryer chicken fries are best served hot and with your favorite dipping sauce : ketchup, honey mustard , hot sauce , bbq sauce, spicy mayonnaise or a squeeze of lemon juice etc.

food bag filled with cornmeal and all purpose flour

How long to cook frozen chicken fries in air fryer

Presently chicken fries can also be sold pre-cooked as a handy convivence food, for example Tyson chicken fries sold in the US or Iceland chicken strips sold in the UK! You do not need to thaw the chicken fries before cooking in the air fryer. You can cook frozen chicken fries at the higher temperature of 380ºF (190ºC) in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes

Can you cook chicken and fries together

Yes, you can cook chicken and fries at the same time in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer you can probably get 2-3 servings of fries and chicken in one air fryer basket. The trick is to push the chicken and the fries to either side. Also add the each item into the air fryer subject to its individual cooking time. For example, if frozen French fries take 12 minutes to cook but the chicken takes 8 minutes, I would add the chicken into the air fryer after 4 minutes so both will be cooked at the same time.

How to reheat in the air fryer.

Place the chicken fries into the air fryer basket, make sure you do this in a single layer to maximise crispiness and even cooking. Air fry for 3 minutes at 356 °F /180°C.

Can you deep fry chicken fries?

Chicken fries are mostly deep fried in fast food restaurants such as Burger King. This can also be done at home by frying in a domestic deep fat fryer appliance or in a pan/pot filled with a neutral oil at (356 °F /180°C). The chicken fries cooked from frozen or fresh should have a cook time between 6-8 minutes and will float to the top of the oil once ready. Paper towels placed on a baking sheet can be used to drain the excess oil.

Does burger king still have chicken fries?

The popular menu item chicken fries originally hit the Burger king menu back in 2005, fans were disappointed when it was discontinued back in 2012. However, chicken fries are back on the menu in most stores across the US an UK.

How much are burger king chicken fries

Chicken fries retail for £4.79 in the UK for 6 pieces or £6.49 for 9 pieces. You can also purchase the as a meal with fries and a drink for £5.79.

Are chicken fries at Burger King real chicken?

Burger king advises that their chicken fries are “100% chicken breast coated in a light and crispy breading”

Nutrition Info

Are chicken fries good for you?

High-calorie meals usually contain food that has been deep fried, which is typically the most common method for chicken fries to be cooked. Air frying chicken fries can be a healthy alternative cooking method.

How much protein does chicken fries have?

There is 18.6 grams of protein per portion in this air fryer chicken fries recipe.

Are Burger King chicken fries Keto friendly?

Chicken fries can be keto friend by using a keto friendly flour/breading as a substitute. For example:

Almond flour
Coconut flour
Oat flour

What goes good with chicken fries?

Chicken fries can be served with a range of side dishes, here are some ideas of what I like to to pair them with:

French fries
AIR FRYER GARLIC PARMESAN TRUFFLE FRIES
ROASTED GARLIC MASHED POTATOES WITH CREAM CHEESE
HOMEMADE AIR FRYER GARLIC BREAD
Chips
Tater tots
Dipping sauces
Green beans

How do I make the best chicken fries?

Here are some tips on how to make the best chicken fries:

Cut into vertical long strips
Use chicken boneless breast or chicken tenders
Marinating the chicken overnight in buttermilk will tenderise the chicken meat
Season the batter or breading heavily for the best flavours
Do not overcrowd the deep fryer, pan, or air fryer when cooking.
Best to cook the chicken fries in batches

Air fryer chicken fries

Author: Catherine
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

Chicken breasts x 2
Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
White pepper – 1 teaspoon
Salt – ½ teaspoon

Flour for dredging

All-purpose / plain flour – ½ cup / 68 grams
Fine cornmeal flour (polenta / maize flour) – ½ cup / 68 grams

Seasoned Breading

Golden breadcrumbs – x 2 cups
Oregano – 1 teaspoon
Dried parsley – 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
Paprika – 1 teaspoon
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Eggs x 2 whisked

Vegetable oil or cooking spray

Instructions

Preparing the raw chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them down the sides creating thinner fillets. Then begin to slice the chicken breast , vertically on the longest side, into thin 1-inch-thick chicken fries strips. Place into a bowl and season with garlic powder, white pepper, onion powder and salt
Chicken 1^st flour dredge: Add the flour and cornmeal into a food bag and combine. Then add the chicken and shake the large resealable plastic bag until all the chicken pieces are coated.
Seasoned breading: Create an egg mixture by whisking together the 2 eggs. In another shallow bowl mix together the golden bread crumbs and seasonings listed. Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, shake off the excess liquid then place into the seasoned bread crumbs. You can place them on a cooling rack if you need to make them in batches.
Air fry chicken fries: Brush oil or use a cooking spray to cover the base of the preheated air-fryer basket. Place the chicken fries in the air fryer basket, ensure that there is one layer only and do not overcrowd the basket. This is the best way to make the air fryer chicken fries are crispy. Air fry for the cooking time of 10-12 minutes at 340°F/170°C. Turn over chicken the fries at the hallway point. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165ºF (75ºC)+ once cooked and golden brown.
Serve: These air fryer chicken fries are best served hot and with your favourite dipping sauce: ketchup, honey mustard , hot sauce , spicy mayonnaise or a squeeze of lemon juice etc.

Notes

You can use panko breadcrumbs as an alternative if cannot source golden bread breadcrumbs. Toast the panko breadcrumbs beforehand in a dry pan till golden brown before using for the breading.

Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 10
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American Copycat Takeout

Keywords: chicken fries, air fryer chicken fries, burger king, copycat recipe, take out recipe, air fried

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO PIN ONTO YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS

pinterest image of air fryer chicken fries

Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Calamari Recipe

August 21, 2022 Leave a Comment

Air fryer Salt & Pepper Calamari is a Chinese takeout classic! This air fried calamari is crispy, crunchy, and spicy. A healthy & easy copycat recipe to make at home! Delicious squid coated in seasoned flour, air fried till golden brown & topped with stir fried garlic, chili, and green onions.

Air fryer Salt and Pepper Calamari with chilli sauce

Tips on how to best prep calamari / squid

Squid / Calamari does require attention to detail when preparing for cooking, here are some tips on how best to prepare squid safely and cut into your desired shape.

How to clean calamari

The best way to clean squid / calamari will depends on whether it is purchased whole or already pre prepped into squid rings. Frozen and fresh squid rings tend to be cleaned already so just require washing under cold water and placing on paper towels to drain. For whole squid cleaning is more rigorous as you need to remove the innards, head, beak, cartilage tube, cut the tentacles off and pullback the skin. Once completed wash in cold water and prep for cooking, you should be left with clean white squid tubes.

How to tenderize calamari

Calamari can be tenderised by marinating and soaking the calamari in a bowl of buttermilk for a minimum of 30 minutes in the fridge, which will help the squid be less chewy. The acidity in the buttermilk will help to tenderise the flesh. You can rinse the buttermilk off when ready for cooking or keep the buttermilk for breaded calamari recipes.

Find more great air fryer recipes below

How to cut calamari rings

Place a freshly cleaned whole calamari tube onto a chopping board, press down on the calamari with one hand so it lays completely flat and then slice vertically into thin strips.

How to cut calamari so it curls

To make calamari that curls simply slice a freshly cleaned whole calamari tube down one side, on a chopping board. The calamari should now be lying flat. Using a very sharp knife to gently score the calamari diagonally across from each side, leaving a 1cm gap approximately between each scored line. Ensure not to pierce through the calamari fully. Repeat the process again on the same side but in the opposite direction, this will create little diamond pattens on the flesh. Once completed cut into a diamond shaped calamari pieces or strips. The diagonal criss-cross pattern will help the squid curl whilst deep frying, air frying, cooked in an oven, grilled, or sautéed

How to tell if squid is bad

There are a few signs to look out for to know whether squid has gone bad.

Although fish naturally has a smell and can be slippery to touch, the squid should not be excessively smelling or slimy
Another sign is if the squid is no longer white and has changed colour slightly to red/yellow
If the squid is no longer shiny but dull this could also be a sign the squid has gone bad

Is calamari squid or octopus

Although similar in appearance calamari is not octopus. Calamari and fresh squid are also not the same often confused as just the Italian word / pronunciation. Squid and calamari are two different species with squid tending to be cheaper compared to calamari which is more expensive and more tender in texture.

How to bread calamari

Calamari can be breaded with various ingredients such as panko breadcrumbs, semolina flour, golden breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, corn starch / cornflour, and rice flour. To get the breading / flour to stick to calamari you need to lightly cover the calamari in flour first then dip into an egg mixture before dipping into your chosen breadcrumbs or seasoned flour.

Can you cook calamari without flour?

Calamari can also be great without flour and served on its own with a marinade, sauteed in a frying pan with butter, olive oil or deep fried in hot oil with a gluten free flour coating as a substitute for dietary needs.

How long to cook calamari

One of the worst things you can do is overcooking calamari as it can become very chewy. Cooking calamari at a high temperature with a short cooking time will ensure its tender when eating. For this air fryer recipe, the fresh coated calamari pieces are air fried for 6-7 minutes at 374 degrees f /190°C. The size of the pieces are quite small so you would need to increase the cook time if you cut them larger. When cooking frozen calamari, you will need to increase the length of cooking time.

Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Calamari Recipe

Copycat salt and pepper calamari can be made at home as a fakeaway recipe that tastes pretty close to the version from Chinese restaurants. This Chinese seasoning can be found on wings, chips, king prawns, chicken thighs, and calamari. You will need the following key ingredients to make at home:

Squid

Fresh whole small squid tubes / calamari tubes or Fresh squid ring
Fish Sauce
Shaoxing wine
Egg whites

Seasoned salt & pepper flour

Rice flour
White pepper
Ground black pepper (or ground Sichuan peppercorns)
Garlic powder
Chinese 5 spice
Salt

Salt & Pepper Stir fry Vegetables

Fresh garlic minced
Spring onions / green onions
Red & Green chillies
Sesame seed oil
Salt

Garnishes

Lime wedges, sweet chilli sauce and fresh herbs (coriander)

Air fryer Salt and Pepper Calamari raw squid

Air fryer Salt and Pepper Calamari ingredients

How to make calamari in the air fryer

Preparing calamari: Clean, prep and cut squid tubes (if purchased whole) into your desired shape, either a diamond pattern or squid rings. *Check the recipe notes for tips

Marinating calamari: Place the calamari into a shallow bowl, add Shaoxing wine, fish sauce, and stir.

Dredging: In a separate bowl mix together all the seasoned flour mixture ingredients. Add a handful of the marinated calamari pieces into the bowl, using your hands to coat each piece. Then dip the floured calamari into a bowl of whisked egg whites and finally dredge again in the seasoned flour mixture. The double coating will help to fully cover the calamari. Place them on a greased wire rack as you will need to do this process in batches

Air frying calamari: Add to the calamari into the air fryer basket in a single layer, use a nonstick cooking spray or brush with oil to generously cover the floured calamari. Air fry for 5 minutes at 375 °F /190°C, flip over and then air fryer for a further 2 minutes.

Salt & Pepper Stir fry Vegetables: Place a small frying pan onto the stove at a medium heat. Pour in some sesame oil and stir fry the 2 minutes, adding the green onions last.

Combine: Mix together the crispy calamari with the stir fried vegetables and serve with lime or lemon slices, sweet chilli dipping sauce with a coriander garnish.

Air fryer Salt and Pepper Calamari in a basket

How to reheat calamari

Calamari is best eaten hot once cooked however leftover calamari can be reheated in 3 ways, the microwave, air fryer and in the oven. Though it should be noted reheating squid does make the texture chewier.

How to reheat calamari in microwave

Now although reheating calamari in a microwave, by placing it on a microwave safe plate, is one of the quickest options at 2-3 minutes (depending on the portion size) the texture of the calamari will no longer be as crispy if breaded and will become slightly soggy.

How to reheat fried calamari in air fryer

Place the calamari in small batches into the air fryer basket, make sure you do this in a single layer to maximise crispiness and even cooking. Air fry for 3 minutes at 356 °F /180°C.

How to reheat fried calamari in oven

Lay the calamari on an oven sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. Preheat the oven and cook for 8-10 minutes at 356 °F /180°C.

How do you cook frozen calamari in an air fryer

For the best results using fresh calamari will ensure the most tender texture. However, you can buy raw frozen calamari rings and leave to thaw overnight in the fridge in a sealed container. Once thawed you can continue, clean, season or flour coat the calamari.

How to cook calamari rings from frozen

Premade frozen calamari squid rings are a great connivence product that can be cooked in the air fryer from frozen without the need to thaw. Once the calamari rings have been removed from the packaging place into the air fryer spray or brush with oil and cook for 365 °F /185°C for total time of 8-10 minutes. Flip the calamari rings halfway through cooking.

2. Air fryer Salt and Pepper Calamari dipped in sriracha mayo

Air fryer Salt and Pepper Calamari dipped in chilli sauce

What do you dip calamari in

Crispy calamari taste’s even better when dipped in sauce! There are a variety of sauces and ingredients that you can add to a small bowl and serve as an appetizer. Here are some of the best dipping sauces to choose from below:

Sweet chilli sauce
Thai Chilli Lime Sauce
Siracha chilli sauce
Cocktail sauce
Siracha mayo
regular soy sauce or light soy sauce
red chili pepper and garlic sauce
Garlic aioli
Chilli oil
Creamy lemon sauce
Marinara sauce
Ginger, garlic, oyster sauce dip
A squeeze of lemon juice

Nutritional information

How healthy is calamari

Calamari is a good choice as it has high levels of high levels of omega-3s, vitamin b12 and protein. Another great thing is that air frying is a healthy version of cooking calamari instead of deep frying.

Keto calamari air fryer

Calamari cooked in the air fryer can be a great low carb delicious appetizer. The rice flour could be substituted for a low carb flour alternative or the calamari without bereding ding will also be keto compliant

How many calories in salt and pepper squid

This easy air fryer calamari recipe yields for servings at 180 calories per portion approximately.

What to serve with fried calamari

Calamari can be served with many dishes or as a stand-alone dish. Here are some suggestions of what to serve calamari with.

Stir fried noodles
AIR FRYER GARLIC PARMESAN TRUFFLE FRIES
Stir fried vegetables
Egg fried rice
Tempura vegetables
Pasta dishes